Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 revenues of $516 million, up 14% year-over-year, and full fiscal year revenues of $1.991 billion, up 16% compared to the prior year [6][22] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $155 million, an increase of 14%, with GAAP earnings of $6.42 per share, up 18% from the prior year [29] - For the full fiscal year, GAAP net income was $652 million, equating to $26.54 of earnings per share, up 27% and 30% respectively [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the software segment, Q4 revenues were $204 million, flat year-over-year, while for the full year, revenues were $822 million, up 3% from last year [7][22] - The scores segment saw Q4 revenues of $312 million, up 25% year-over-year, driven primarily by B2B scores, which were up 29% [9][23] - Total scores revenues for the full year were $1.169 billion, up 27%, with mortgage origination revenues up 52% year-over-year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region accounted for 87% of total company revenues, while EMEA generated 8% and Asia-Pacific delivered 5% [22] - The company noted that mortgage origination revenues accounted for 55% of B2B revenue and 45% of total scores revenue [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to advance its direct and indirect distribution strategy and invest to capture market opportunities from innovations like the FICO Platform [9] - The FICO Mortgage Direct License Program aims to drive competition and transparency in the mortgage market, allowing trimerge resellers to calculate and distribute FICO scores directly [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving stronger growth in fiscal 2026, guiding for revenues of $2.35 billion, an increase of 18% over fiscal 2025 [33] - The company remains conservative in its guidance due to uncertainties in the macro environment, particularly regarding mortgage volumes and interest rates [72][78] Other Important Information - The company reported free cash flow of $211 million in Q4, with total free cash flow of $739 million over the last four quarters, representing a 22% increase year-over-year [30] - The company has a patent portfolio of over 230 issued patents, reinforcing its position in responsible AI development [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Broader discussions with the FHFA and approval timeline for FICO 10T - Management confirmed constructive conversations with the FHFA and expressed confidence in the eventual release of FICO 10T [37] Question: Assumptions around the direct licensing model and its impact - Management indicated a conservative approach to guidance due to uncertainties in the macro environment and potential timing lags in performance-based fees [40][41] Question: Long-term pricing strategy and adjustments - Management stated that while they see a value gap in pricing, specific future pricing strategies remain uncertain [45][46] Question: Feedback from lenders on pricing models - Positive reception to the direct model was noted, with lenders appreciating the optionality provided by the two pricing models [50] Question: Adoption of FICO 10T in the non-conforming market - Management highlighted the importance of predictiveness in the non-conforming market and noted ongoing positive feedback from lenders [53] Question: Mortgage volume assumptions and potential upside - Management emphasized conservatism in volume assumptions, particularly regarding interest rates and market share retention [78] Question: Implementation progress with resellers - Management confirmed that resellers are on pace for adoption and that operational hurdles are minimal [82] Question: Performance model availability and pricing flexibility - Management clarified that pricing for the multi-year agreement with Zactus is set for 2026, with annual adjustments expected thereafter [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 revenues of $516 million, up 14% year-over-year, and for the full fiscal year, revenues reached $1.991 billion, an increase of 16% compared to the prior year [6][22] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $155 million, up 14%, with GAAP earnings of $6.42 per share, an 18% increase from the prior year [28][29] - Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $187 million, up 15%, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $7.74, an 18% increase year-over-year [29] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $211 million, with a total of $739 million over the last four quarters, representing a 22% year-over-year increase [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the software segment, Q4 revenues were $204 million, flat year-over-year, while for the fiscal year, revenues were $822 million, up 3% from last year [7][22] - The scores segment saw Q4 revenues of $312 million, up 25% year-over-year, driven primarily by B2B scores, which increased by 29% [9][23] - Total scores revenues for the fiscal year were $1.169 billion, up 27%, with mortgage origination revenues up 52% year-over-year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region accounted for 87% of total company revenues, while EMEA generated 8% and Asia-Pacific delivered 5% [22] - The company anticipates no significant improvement in the macro environment for its Scores business, with expectations of stable market share and volume in auto, card, and personal loan originations [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to advance its direct and indirect distribution strategy and invest to capture market opportunities emerging from innovations like the FICO Platform and FICO FFM [9][24] - The FICO Mortgage Direct License Program aims to drive competition and transparency in the mortgage market, with significant interest from resellers and lenders [12][13] - The company maintains a focus on efficiencies and prioritizes resources for strategic initiatives, including headcount for distribution and development of the FICO Platform [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving stronger growth in fiscal 2026, guiding for revenues of $2.35 billion, a 18% increase over fiscal 2025 [33] - The company is being conservative in its guidance due to uncertainties in the macro environment, particularly regarding mortgage volumes and interest rates [72] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a competitive edge through innovations and the value provided by FICO scores [45][56] Other Important Information - The company has a patent portfolio of over 230 issued patents and nearly 80 pending applications, reinforcing its position in responsible AI development [9] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23.4%, with a full-year net effective tax rate of 18.8% [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback from FHFA and FICO 10T approval timeline - Management confirmed constructive conversations with the FHFA and expressed confidence in the eventual release of FICO 10T [36] Question: Assumptions around direct licensing model in guidance - Management indicated a conservative approach in guidance due to uncertainties in the macro environment and potential timing issues with the performance model [39][40] Question: Long-term pricing strategy - Management stated that while they recognize a value gap, specific pricing strategies for 2027 and beyond are not yet determined [44][45] Question: Feedback from lenders on pricing models - Positive reception to the direct model was reported, with lenders appreciating the optionality provided by the two pricing models [49] Question: Adoption of FICO 10T in the non-conforming market - Management noted that lenders in the non-conforming market prioritize default risk and are satisfied with the performance of FICO 10T [53] Question: Mortgage volume assumptions in guidance - Management acknowledged conservatism in guidance due to uncertainties around interest rates and trigger leads [72] Question: Reseller adoption of the direct model - Management confirmed that resellers are on pace for adoption, with no significant operational hurdles anticipated [82] Question: Credit bureaus and performance model availability - Management indicated uncertainty regarding the split between the per-score and performance models among lenders [85]

Core Insights - Fair Isaac's stock has experienced a significant decline but has returned over 43,000% since the mid-1990s, indicating a long-term growth trajectory despite recent challenges [1][2] - The U.S. government's decision to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to use VantageScore has disrupted Fair Isaac's long-standing monopoly in the credit scoring market [2][7] - The stock's recent decline may present a buying opportunity for long-term investors, as the company remains fundamentally strong [3][13] Company Performance - Fair Isaac's FICO score is utilized by approximately 90% of top U.S. lenders and credit unions, and 95% of U.S. securitizations reference the FICO score for risk assessment [5][6] - The company's pricing strategy has come under scrutiny, with a recent increase in wholesale royalty prices from $3.50 to $4.95 per score, a rise of over 40% [7][8] - Despite the price increase, the cost of the FICO score is minimal compared to total mortgage closing costs, suggesting that lenders may not switch to alternative scoring systems for minor savings [8] Market Dynamics - The stock's valuation has adjusted from a peak price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of nearly 120, indicating a correction in overextended valuations [10][12] - Long-term earnings growth estimates for Fair Isaac are optimistic, projecting a 27% annualized growth rate, resulting in a price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of about 2 [13] - The company has been actively buying back stock, having reduced its diluted share count by nearly 25% over the past decade, which supports earnings per share growth [15] Future Outlook - Fair Isaac's ability to maintain pricing power for its FICO scores will be crucial for future growth, although significant price increases like the recent 40% hike may not be expected [14] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from continued borrowing trends in the U.S. and abroad, leveraging its market leadership in credit scoring [14]

Core Insights - Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 non-GAAP earnings of $8.57 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.87% and increasing 37.1% year over year [1][9] - Revenues reached $536.4 million, surpassing the consensus mark by 3.4% and growing 19.8% year over year, with contributions from the Americas (87%), EMEA (8%), and Asia Pacific (5%) [1][9] - Scores, which account for 60.5% of total revenues, rose 34.3% year over year to $324.3 million [1][9] Revenue Breakdown - Software revenues, including analytics and digital-decisioning technology, increased 2.8% year over year to $212.1 million [2] - Software Annual Recurring Revenues (ARR) grew 4% year over year, with platform ARR up 18% and non-platform ARR down 2% [3] - On-premises and SaaS Software, making up 35% of revenues, increased 2.2% year over year to $187.9 million [3] - Professional services revenues, accounting for 4.5% of total revenues, rose 7% year over year to $24.2 million [3] Scoring Solutions - Business-to-business (B2B) scoring solutions revenues surged 42% year over year, driven by higher unit prices and increased mortgage originations [4] - Business-to-consumer (B2C) scoring solutions revenues increased 6% year over year, supported by higher royalties from scores sold through credit reporting agencies [4] Origination Revenues - Mortgage-originations revenues increased 53% year over year [5] - Auto-originations revenues rose 23% year over year [5] - Credit card, personal loan, and other origination revenues grew 3% year over year [5] Strategic Initiatives - FICO launched FICO Score10 BNPL and FICO Score10T BNPL models, integrating Buy-Now-Pay-Later data into credit scoring, promoting financial inclusion globally [6] Operating Performance - Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased by 110 basis points year over year to 8.8% [7] - Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues fell by 200 basis points year over year to 25.9% [7] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 31.9% year over year to $312.3 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 58.2% compared to 52.9% in the prior year [7] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, FICO had $189 million in cash and cash equivalents, with total debt at $2.8 billion [8] - Cash flow from operations was $286.2 million, up from $213.3 million in the prior year [8] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $276.2 million, compared to $205.7 million in the previous year [8] Guidance - FICO reiterated its fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting revenues of $1.98 billion and non-GAAP earnings of $29.15 per share [9][11] Share Repurchase - In the fiscal third quarter, FICO repurchased 284,000 shares [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q3 revenues of $536 million, up 20% year-over-year [7] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $182 million, an increase of 44%, with GAAP earnings per share at $7.4, up 47% from the prior year [24] - Non-GAAP net income was $211 million, up 35%, with non-GAAP earnings per share at $8.57, up 37% from the prior year [24] - Free cash flow reached a record $276 million, a 34% increase from the prior year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Scores segment, revenues were $324 million, up 34% year-over-year, driven by B2B scores growth [8][18] - B2B revenues increased by 42%, primarily due to higher unit prices and increased mortgage originations [19] - B2C revenues grew by 6%, mainly from indirect channel partners [19] - Software segment revenues were $212 million, up 3% from the prior year, with growth driven by platform SaaS [12][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region accounted for 87% of total company revenues, while EMEA generated 8% and Asia Pacific delivered 5% [20] - The company expects a sequential decline in fourth-quarter revenues due to lower point-in-time revenues [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing its fiscal year 2025 guidance, indicating confidence in its strategy and execution [7][28] - Innovations such as FICO Score 10T and FICO Score 10T BNPL are aimed at enhancing credit scoring and expanding financial inclusion [10][31] - The company continues to focus on a land and expand strategy in its software business, with a strong pipeline of new functionalities [12][69] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that elevated interest rates and affordability challenges are impacting the mortgage market, keeping loan originations below historical norms [28] - The company remains engaged with industry participants regarding the FHFA's decisions and emphasizes the importance of FICO scores in the mortgage ecosystem [30][35] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 284,000 shares in Q3, marking the largest single-quarter buyback in its history [8][27] - Total debt at quarter-end was $2.78 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.25% [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Adoption of FICO Score 10T - The management indicated that the pipeline for FICO Score 10T is strong, with customers testing and using it, requiring modest retooling [39] Question: Insurance Core Product Renewal - The renewal of the insurance core product was described as a one-off license deal [40] Question: Migration to VantageScore - Management stated they are not aware of any lenders moving to VantageScore since the FHFA announcement, citing significant challenges in switching scores [45] Question: Pricing Strategy for Mortgage Scores - No decisions have been made regarding pricing strategy, but management acknowledged a value gap between what is charged and the value provided [48] Question: Engagement with Regulators - The company maintains close relationships with FHFA and GSEs, emphasizing the importance of safety and soundness in the mortgage market [53] Question: Software Business Feedback - The company continues to see interest in its software platform, with expectations for bookings to trend positively [59] Question: Opportunities in Securitization Market - Management is exploring ways to provide real-time FICO scores to the securitization market to enhance value [81] Question: Capital Allocation and Buybacks - The company plans to continue share buybacks as part of its optimal capital structure strategy [91]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q3 revenues of $536 million, up 20% year-over-year [5] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $182 million, an increase of 44%, with GAAP earnings of $7.4 per share, up 47% from the prior year [6][23] - Non-GAAP net income was $211 million, up 35%, with non-GAAP earnings of $8.57 per share, up 37% from the prior year [6][23] - Free cash flow reached a record $276 million, a 34% increase from the prior year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Scores segment, revenues were $324 million, up 34% year-over-year, driven by B2B scores growth [6][17] - B2B revenues increased by 42%, primarily due to higher unit prices and increased mortgage originations [17] - B2C revenues grew by 6%, mainly from indirect channel partners [18] - Software segment revenues were $212 million, up 3% from the prior year, with growth driven by platform SaaS [11][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region accounted for 87% of total company revenues, while EMEA generated 8% and Asia Pacific delivered 5% [19] - Mortgage origination revenues were up 53% year-over-year, accounting for 53% of B2B revenue and 44% of total scores revenue [18] - Auto originations revenues increased by 23%, while credit card and personal loan revenues were up 3% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing its fiscal year 2025 guidance, reflecting strong performance and confidence in its business model [5][28] - Innovations such as FICO Score 10T and FICO Score 10BNPL are aimed at enhancing credit visibility and expanding financial inclusion [8][9] - The company continues to focus on a land and expand strategy in its software segment, with a strong emphasis on customer usage growth [11][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that elevated interest rates and affordability challenges are impacting the mortgage market, keeping loan originations below historical norms [27] - The company remains committed to innovation and disciplined execution despite a fluid macro environment [28] - Management expressed confidence in the adoption of FICO Score 10T, highlighting its predictive capabilities and industry standard status [31][32] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 284,000 shares in Q3, marking the largest single quarter buyback in its history [6][26] - Total debt at quarter end was $2.78 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.25% [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Adoption of FICO Score 10T and customer pipeline - Management indicated a strong pipeline for FICO Score 10T, with customers currently testing and using it, requiring modest retooling [39] Question: Impact of FHFA announcement on lenders moving to VantageScore - Management stated they are not aware of any lenders moving to VantageScore since the announcement, citing significant challenges in transitioning [44] Question: Pricing strategy for mortgage scores - Management noted that no decisions have been made regarding pricing changes, emphasizing a careful approach to closing the value gap [46] Question: Engagement with regulators - Management confirmed ongoing communication with FHFA and GSEs, emphasizing the importance of safety and soundness in the mortgage market [51] Question: Opportunities for FICO scores in new markets - Management highlighted the potential for expanding FICO scores into the securitization market, providing real-time score updates [81] Question: Capital allocation and buyback strategy - Management expressed a commitment to maintaining an optimal capital structure, indicating a willingness to continue share buybacks at an accelerated pace [90][92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenues of $499 million, an increase of 15% year-over-year [5][15] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $163 million, up 25% from the prior year, with GAAP earnings per share at $6.59, a 28% increase [6][20] - Non-GAAP net income was $193 million, also up 25%, with non-GAAP earnings per share at $7.81, a 27% increase [6][20] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $65 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, with total free cash flow over the last four quarters at $677 million, up 45% [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Scores segment, revenues were $297 million, up 25% year-over-year, with B2B revenues increasing by 31% primarily due to mortgage originations [7][15] - B2C revenues grew by 6%, driven by indirect channel partners [7][15] - Mortgage origination revenues surged by 48%, accounting for 54% of B2B revenue and 44% of total Scores revenue [7][8] - The Software segment reported revenues of $202 million, a 2% increase from the prior year, with on-premises and SaaS software revenue growing by 4% [11][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region contributed 86% of total company revenues, while EMEA and Asia Pacific regions generated 9% and 5% respectively [16] - Total software ARR was $715 million, a 3% increase year-over-year, with platform ARR growing by 17% [12][17] - The dollar-based net retention rate was 102%, with platform NRR at 110% and non-platform at 96% [12][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on innovation, with new products like the FICO Score mortgage simulator and FICO Score 10T being highlighted [9][10] - Partnerships with companies like Fujitsu and Dakado aim to enhance digital transformation and precision in the life insurance industry [13] - The company is committed to expanding its indirect sales channels and enhancing its partner network [11][112] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fiscal year guidance despite macroeconomic uncertainties [22] - The company noted that while there are headwinds in customer outreach programs, the overall business remains healthy [34][41] - Management emphasized the importance of customer education in maximizing the value of their offerings [115] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 112,000 shares in Q2 at an average price of $18.49 per share [22] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 23.7%, with expectations of around 22% for the full year [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did results compare to expectations? - Management acknowledged the current environment's uncertainty and maintained a conservative approach to guidance [31] Question: What is the outlook for software reacceleration? - Management indicated that macroeconomic factors are influencing growth, but they remain optimistic about platform growth [32][34] Question: Any changes in credit origination volumes? - Management noted no significant changes in credit origination volumes but acknowledged the lag in data reporting [38][40] Question: Are there changes in customer behavior regarding platform sales cycles? - Management reported no significant changes in sales cycles, indicating that the platform remains a strategic purchase for customers [45][46] Question: What is the outlook for professional services revenue? - Management expects professional services revenue to increase in the second half of the year due to timing issues [117] Question: What are the strategic priorities moving forward? - Management highlighted upcoming innovations and the use of AI, with announcements expected at FICO World [121]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 revenues of $499 million, an increase of 15% year-over-year [7] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $163 million, up 25%, with GAAP earnings per share at $6.59, a 28% increase from the prior year [8][22] - Non-GAAP net income was $193 million, also up 25%, with non-GAAP earnings per share at $7.81, a 27% increase [8][22] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $65 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, with total free cash flow over the last four quarters at $677 million, up 45% [8][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Scores segment, revenues were $297 million, up 25% year-over-year, with B2B revenues increasing by 31% primarily due to mortgage originations [9][17] - B2C revenues grew by 6%, driven by revenue from indirect channel partners [9][17] - Mortgage origination revenues surged by 48%, accounting for 54% of B2B revenue and 44% of total Scores revenue [9][10] - The Software segment reported revenues of $202 million, a 2% increase from the prior year, with on-premises and SaaS software revenue growing by 4% [13][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region contributed 86% of total company revenues, while EMEA generated 9% and Asia Pacific delivered 5% [18] - Total software ARR was $715 million, a 3% increase year-over-year, with platform ARR growing by 17% [19] - The dollar-based net retention rate for the quarter was 102%, with platform NRR at 110% and non-platform at 96% [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on innovation, with new products and partnerships aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and customer engagement [10][12] - The strategy includes a land and expand approach to drive growth in ARR and NRR, with a focus on increasing customer usage [13][19] - The company is investing in indirect sales channels to enhance market reach and capitalize on opportunities in non-financial services [114] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a fluid macroeconomic environment but expressed confidence in the company's strategy and execution [24] - There is a cautious outlook regarding guidance due to uncertainty in the market, with management remaining conservative [31][39] - The company expects to see an acceleration in free cash flow in the second half of the fiscal year [23] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 112,000 shares in Q2 at an average price of $18.49 per share, viewing share repurchases as an attractive use of cash [24] - The upcoming FICO World Conference is expected to showcase innovations and customer success stories, serving as a significant sales pipeline building event [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did results compare to expectations? - Management noted that the results were in line with expectations, reflecting a conservative approach due to market uncertainty [31] Question: What is the outlook for software growth? - Management indicated that macroeconomic factors are impacting growth, but they remain optimistic about the platform side's strength [32][34] Question: Have there been changes in credit origination volumes? - Management reported no significant changes in credit origination volumes, but acknowledged the uncertainty in the macro environment [37][39] Question: What is the visibility into platform growth? - Management has some visibility into future growth but noted that macro conditions could affect deal closures [40][41] Question: Are there changes in customer behavior regarding platform sales cycles? - Management stated that there have been no significant changes in customer behavior or sales cycles [44][46] Question: What is the impact of the regulatory environment? - Management expressed that the regulatory environment remains favorable for the company, with ongoing conversations with regulators [74] Question: What are the strategic priorities moving forward? - Management highlighted upcoming innovations and the use of AI, with a focus on enhancing product offerings [125]